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Indian Railways on Fast Track: Record Budget Fuels Multi-Modal Connectivity & “Vande Bharat” Upgrade

The new record budget allocated to Indian Railways will ensure rapid growth and innovation TEXT: INDIAN RAILWAYS MAGAZINE India’s railways are set for a major transformation, thanks to a hefty Rs. 2,52,000 crore capital expenditure allocation in the Interim Budget FY 2024-25. This historic investment reflects the government’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” commitment and aims to propel the nation’s economy while enhancing passenger comfort and safety. Under the PM Gati Shakti, projects will enable multi-modal connectivity, improving logistics efficiency and reducing costs. This includes the conversion of 40,000 rail bogies to Vande Bharat standards for enhanced safety and passenger convenience. Three major economic railway corridor programs are set to roll out, focusing on Energy, Mineral, and Cement Corridors, Port Connectivity Corridors, and High Traffic Density Corridors. These initiatives, combined with dedicated freight corridors, are expected to accelerate GDP growth and reduce logistic costs. The projects have been identified under the PM Gati Shakti for enabling multi-modal connectivity. They will improve logistics efficiency and reduce costs. The Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the significant allocation. He highlighted a shift in focus over the last decade, moving from adding new trains to enhancing capacity and safety measures. Notable achievements include 26,000 km of new tracks, a Rs. 1,08,000 crore investment in Safety Systems, the Automatic Train Protection system (Kavach), and the development of popular new-generation trains. The budget emphasizes three key corridors for additional capacity: Energy, Mineral, and Cement; Port Connectivity; and ‘Amrit Chaturbhuj’ for high-density traffic routes. These corridors are set to lay around 40,000 km of new tracks, boosting capacity and reducing pollution. The Minister of Railways emphasised that the current budget places a strong emphasis on creating additional capacity through three key corridors. The first corridor focuses on Energy, Mineral, and Cement, aiming to curtail road pollution and lower logistics costs. The second corridor prioritizes port connectivity, ensuring seamless integration with ports through a multimodal approach called ‘Gati Shakti.’ The third corridor, named ‘Amrit Chaturbhuj,’ is envisioned as a railway network equivalent to the golden quadrilateral on high-density traffic routes. Collectively, these three corridors are set to lay approximately 40,000 km of new tracks, significantly boosting railway capacity and reducing pollution. The railway’s potential to save up to 90% of CO2 emissions in a cost-effective manner is expected to bring about a substantial transformation in the country’s economy, fostering efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. Regarding the second significant announcement, the Minister explained, “The success of ‘Vande Bharat’ and ‘Amrit Bharat’ trains has paved the way for the upgrade of all 40,000 conventional coaches. Efforts to enhance capacity are underway on multiple fronts.” Last year, we added 5,200 km of new tracks, equivalent to Switzerland’s entire rail network. This year, the plan is to add 5,500 km, a significant increase from 4 km per day in 2014 to around 15 km per day now. The budget for FY 2024-25 allocates Rs. 2,52,000 crore for capital expenditure (CAPEX). Notably, by the end of January 2024, we’ve achieved 82% of the CAPEX budget for the current year. The clear focus is on expanding capacity, improving the passenger experience, and enhancing infrastructure. The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s emphasis on railways is evident, and completion of the three corridors is expected to address the waiting list problem effectively. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has praised the Interim Budget as inclusive and innovative, expressing confidence in continuity and its ability to empower all four pillars of ‘Viksit Bharat’ – youth, poor, women, and farmers. The Prime Minister highlighted the announcement in the budget to manufacture 40,000 modern ‘Vande Bharat Standard’ coaches, emphasizing that their induction into regular passenger trains will significantly enhance the travel experience for millions of passengers on various railway routes across the country. As part of the strategy for ‘Amrit Kaal’, these three major economic railway corridor programmes have been identified under the PM Gati Shakti for enabling multi-modal connectivity. They will improve logistics efficiency and reduce costs. The resultant decongestion of the high traffic corridors will also help in improving operations of passenger trains, resulting in safety and higher travel speed for passengers. Together with dedicated freight corridors, these three economic corridor programmes will accelerate GDP growth and reduce logistic costs.pen_sparktunesharemore_vert

News - Indian Railways Rail News

Fog No More: Indian Railways’ High-Tech Devices Ensure On-Time Winter Journeys

Our humble insight into Indian Railways cutting-edge technology for uninterrupted journeys during harsh winter conditions TEXT: INDIAN RAILWAYS MAGAZINE Winter’s icy grip often brings with it a dense blanket of fog, wreaking havoc on travel schedules and causing frustration for passengers. Yet, Indian Railways is taking decisive action to ensure smooth operations even in the face of reduced visibility. Their weapon of choice? A fleet of 19,742 high-tech “Fog Pass Devices” deployed across the network. These innovative devices, akin to GPS navigators for trains, empower loco pilots with crucial information even when shrouded in fog. Picture this: as the locomotive hurtles forward, the Fog Pass Device displays the locations of essential landmarks like signals, level crossings, and speed restrictions on a dedicated screen. Not only that, it provides clear voice guidance, alerting the pilot about upcoming obstacles 500 metres ahead. This real-time assistance ensures trains stay on track, literally and figuratively, minimizing delays and maximizing passenger safety. This initiative marks a significant leap forward for Indian Railways. No longer will winter fog throw a wrench into travel plans. With the Fog Pass Device as their trusty co-pilot, loco pilots can navigate even the densest fog with confidence, ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey for passengers across the nation. So, the next time you embark on a winter train journey, rest assured that cutting-edge technology is working tirelessly behind the scenes to get you to your destination safely and on time. General features of Fog Pass Device: Zonal Railways No. of Devices Provisioned Central Railway 560 Eastern Railway 1,103 East Central Railway 1,891 East Coast Railway 375 Northern Railway 4,491 North Central Railway 1,289 North Eastern Railway 1,769 Northeast Frontier Railway 1,101 North Western Railway 992 South Central Railway 1,120 South Eastern Railway 2,955 South East Central Railway 997 South Western Railway 60 West Central Railway 1,046 Total 19,742 Zonal Railways No. of Devices Provisioned

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News - Indian Railways Rail News

Bullet Train Gets Earthquake Guardian Angel: Early Detection System Ensures Passenger Safety

A sneak peek into the new innovative system on the Bullet Train that safeguards lives and properties during seismic events TEXT: INDIAN RAILWAYS MAGAZINE The Bullet Train project, officially known as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, is taking a groundbreaking step towards passenger and infrastructure safety. For the first time in India, 28 seismometers will be installed along its route, forming a robust Early Earthquake Detection System (EEDS). This innovative system, inspired by Japan’s Shinkansen technology, will act as a guardian angel for the Bullet Train, safeguarding both passengers and critical infrastructure during seismic events. Imagine a tremor rumbling through the earth. Primary waves, the fastest seismic waves, race ahead, carrying the initial shock. EEDS seismometers, strategically placed along the alignment and in earthquake-prone areas, will detect these waves instantly. Upon detection, the system will trigger an automatic power shutdown, bringing the Bullet Train to a safe halt. Emergency brakes will engage, ensuring passengers remain protected even during unforeseen tremors. The system’s reach extends beyond the immediate Bullet Train route. Six additional “inland seismometers” will be installed in earthquake-prone regions across Maharashtra and Gujarat. These sentinels will provide valuable early warnings to local authorities, enabling them to initiate emergency protocols and minimize potential damage. The placement of these seismometers is no random act. Japanese experts meticulously surveyed areas where earthquakes exceeding 5.5 magnitude have occurred in the past century. Micro tremor tests, analyzing soil suitability, further guided the selection process. This meticulous planning ensures the EEDS can effectively detect and respond to seismic threats throughout the Bullet Train’s path. This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant leap forward for India’s infrastructure safety. By harnessing the power of technology and meticulous planning, the Bullet Train project is setting a new standard for earthquake preparedness, ensuring a smooth and secure journey for passengers and a robust infrastructure for the future.

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News - Indian Railways Rail News

Southern Railway Chief Oversees Infrastructure Projects in Two-Day Visit

The latest update on Ms Jaya Varma’s two-day visit to Southern Railways evaluating a few ongoing railway redevelopment projects TEXT: B. GUGANESAN, CHIEF PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, SOUTHERN RAILWAYS Embarking on a two-day visit to Southern Railway, Ms. Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairperson & CEO of Railway Board, is overseeing a thorough evaluation of ongoing infrastructure and station redevelopment projects. On February 20, 2024, Ms. Jaya Varma Sinha commenced her visit in Madurai, engaging in a specialised window trailing inspection via a special train from Madurai to Mandapam. Accompanying her were key figures such as Shri Alok Kumar Mishra, Executive Director (Mechanical, Transportation), Railway Board, Shri R.N. Singh, General Manager, Southern Railway, Shri Amit Kumar Manuwal, Chief Administrative Officer, Construction Organisation, Chennai Egmore, Shri N. Sreekumar, Principal Chief Operating Manager, Shri Desh Ratan Gupta, Principal Chief Engineer, along with other officers and staff of Southern Railway. Inspection of Pamban Bridge & Dhanushkodi: The Railway Board Chairperson & CEO inspected the upcoming Pamban Bridge structure and held a brief meeting with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) officials and held discussions on the status of the new bridge construction works. Shri Pradeep Gaur, Chairman and Managing Director, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, New Delhi, Shri.B.N.Singh, Principal Executive Director, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, New Delhi and Shri B.Kamalakara Reddy, Chief Project Manager, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, Chennai participated in the review meeting. The Chairperson & CEO emphasised safety and sustainability in bridge construction which is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. Following this, the inspection of Dhanushkodi was done with focus on the scope of Rameswaram – Dhanushkodi New line project. Inspection of Rameswaram & Madurai Station Redevelopment works: Later, the Chairperson conducted inspection of Rameswaram station redevelopment works and offered suggestions for improvement. On arrival at Madurai, Ms. Jaya Varma Sinha conducted a comprehensive review of Madurai Junction redevelopment works and exhorted the officials for time bound completion of the project. ░

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News - Indian Railways Rail News

A Look Inside Southern Railway’s 68th Railway Week: Awards & Recognition

A sneak peek into the recently concluded 68th Railway Week Celebrations of Southern Railways TEXT: B. GUGANESAN, CHIEF PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, SOUTHERN RAILWAYS Inaugurating the 68th Railway Week Celebrations of Southern Railway, the prestigious ‘Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar 2023’ Award distribution ceremony took place at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Arangam, ICF, Chennai on the 9th of February 2024. At the event, Shri R.N. Singh, General Manager of Southern Railway, served as the Chief Guest and presented Shields to various Divisions/Departments/Workshops. Additionally, individual Awards were bestowed upon officers and staff in recognition of their exceptional performance. In his address, Shri R.N. Singh extended congratulations to the awardees, acknowledging their substantial contributions to the growth and efficiency of Railways. He praised the divisions and workshops for their commendable performance and emphasised Southern Railway’s achievements as a frontrunner in project commissioning, infrastructure enhancement, sectional speed increment, modern coach introduction, and overall improvement in passenger amenities and onboard services. A three-minute video showcasing Southern Railway’s achievements during the 2022-23 period was presented during the ceremony. Shri Kaushal Kishore, Additional General Manager, Southern Railway, Shri Harikrishnan, Principal Chief Personnel Officer, other Principal Heads of Departments, Divisional Railway Managers, and Officers and Staff of Southern Railway actively participated in the function. The event also featured a cultural program, including classical dances and music performed by staff and their wards. Efficiency Shields and Individual Awards were distributed, with Chennai Division securing the General Manager’s Inter Divisional Overall Efficiency Shield, and Tiruchchirappalli Division clinching the Runners-up Shield. A total of 38 Efficiency Shields were awarded for outstanding performance in various railway working areas, while 17 Officers and 82 staff members were honoured with ‘Individual Awards’ for their meritorious contributions. General Manager’s Speech at the 68th Railway Week Celebrations – Vishist Rail Sewa Puraskar Award Dear Colleague officers, Supervisors and staff, Representatives of recognized Trade Union & Associations, Ladies & Gentlemen, I feel really happy and elated to be amongst you on this happy occasion of 68th Railway Week celebrations. As you all know, on 16th April in the year 1853, the first train ran in the Indian Subcontinent, signifying the birth of great Indian Railways, and we celebrate this event in a grand manner every year to mark the occasion. First of all, I congratulate all the awardees here, who have been chosen for making significant contributions to the growth and efficiency of the Railway in its efforts to serve the public. I also congratulate the divisions who have bagged various shields based on their performance. However, it does not mean that those who are not getting awards are any less. I congratulate all our hardworking & dedicated employees, without whose hard work & dedication, Railway could not have performed so well. I am happy to inform that during the year 2022-23 and 2023-24 (upto Jan.), Southern Railway has done very well in the area of commissioning of projects, upgrading the infrastructure, increasing the sectional speed, Introduction of new trains, augmenting coaches, Introduction of modern coaches, Increasing platform length, Improving passenger amenities and onboard services throughout the Southern Railway. These measures have helped us enhance our image in the minds of the public. All our achievements could be possible only due to the hard work and dedication of all our officers, supervisors and staff. Also these achievements would not have been possible without the whole hearted support of our Recognised Union and Associations. On this momentous occasion, I express my sincere thanks to all officers, supervisors, staff of Southern Railway and, I am sure that Southern Railway shall scale even greater heights of excellence in the years to come. Once again, I congratulate one and all and wish all the very best to all our employees for future endeavours and growth. Thank you.pen_sparktunesharemore_vert

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Trends

The “Women☕” Trend: What Does it Mean for Women Online & Beyond?

Ever scroll on Instagram and see a post with comments flooded with the same phrase over and over – “women ☕”? What’s up with that? We’d say you’re not alone if you tell us you’re miffed with that phrase popping up, every now and then. But where the heck did it come from? Here’s the full story: Origins and Espresso Shots of Sarcasm: On October 9th, 2017, a creator named Tipsy Duck on YouTube, known for his unconventional animations made with the Source Film Maker animation program, uploaded the third video of a series titled “Infomercial: The Pill.” The video’s original intentions were to mock societal beauty standards and women’s insecurity, made in the style of an 80s Western advertisement about a beauty pill. Upon opening the video, at the 13-second mark, you will be greeted by two men drinking coffee in the front yard. There’s some lighthearted banter, but the rest of the video takes an unexpected turn, eventually referencing a stereotype about women’s self-consciousness. The Bitter Aftertaste: Why it Matters? Of course, the question arises—is “women ☕” just a mean laugh, or does it tiptoe into unpleasant territory? Like everything else, it all depends on the context and intentions. Some may use it playfully and in a satirical sense; others may use it as a weapon of belittling and get away with it with the argument, “It’s just a meme, bro!” Is it just a meme? Beyond the Buzz: What We Can Do? No, the meme isn’t always used in a negative context, so think about it for a moment before waging a war with your keyboard- At the end of the day, “women☕” isn’t just a meme but a reminder that the internet world is like a mountainous region with odd peaks. Be respectful and peacefully fight for a more inclusive and compliant internet.

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Anant Ambani’s Pre-Wedding – A Dream or a Dystopian Vision of the Future of Indian Weddings?

Love is in the air—or should we say, on private jets and crystal chandeliers? Anant Ambani’s recent pre-wedding extravaganza had tongues wagging, champagne corks popping, and maybe a few raised eyebrows. The lavish event sent shockwaves through the internet, leaving many of us wondering: Is this a #DreamWedding or a glimpse into a future filled with FOMO-inducing matrimonies? Let’s delve into the heart of the matter. Opulence vs. Reality: Are These the New Benchmarks? While the extravagance is easy to gawk at, the underlying message has us scratching our heads. Are these the new benchmarks for weddings? The answer is No. Here’s the thing: most of us aren’t billionaires. Not everyone can go for a 500-dishes daily menu, arrange luxury tents for their guests, or even fly in one of the biggest names in the game for a concert. Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding bash might be throwing glitter bombs on the whole wedding game, making it seem like “I do” comes with a hefty seven-figure price tag. But let’s not get blinded by the sparkle – this magnific fete is the outlier, not the rule. Beyond the Billions: The Typical Wedding Landscape These high-profile dream weddings might look magical on screen, but in reality, they’ve fueled fierce competition in the Indian wedding landscape. It’s a never-ending game of one-upmanship driven by the desperate desire to be in the public eye. Social media, the ever-present culprit, whispers that bigger budgets translate to a “wow factor” and a more “perfect” wedding. But let’s get the facts clear! Most Indian families aren’t rolling in rupees. While lakhs, or maybe a couple of crores, might be considered for a grand ceremony, dropping a fortune can leave a severe dent in their budget. So, what does the future hold? No one can predict what will happen in the future. Would weddings be intimate experiences and celebrations of a bond or just another thing with which to flex your riches? We’d say somewhere in between. Maybe Anant’s pre-wedding carnival will spark a change! Bringing out a sense in people that “I do” doesn’t need to be about chasing clout or the number of ‘Likes’ they score on Instagram. The real meaning of “I do” lies in chemistry, compatibility and connection between the two people. While the glitz and glamour of weddings may fade, the bond between partners lasts. The celebration should be about the love you share, not the wealth you spend because love is priceless.

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Your Platform Magazine – March 2024 Edition

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Vada Pav: Mumbai’s King of Snacks Takes a Global Bow!

Step aside, Cheesesteak and Croque Monsieur, for a new contender approaches the arena! Bombay’s beloved Vada Pav has won a spot in the TasteAtlas “Top 50 Sandwiches of the World” list, and it’s not just a small feat! Not to mention, the delicious potato patty dish has won 19th place! It represents how the Indian snack culture has the potential to be on top of the world. But what’s the deal about Vada Pav? You can never go wrong with a good vada pav, a nice G.B.D (Golden Brown Delicious) potato patty between fluffy, toasted and buttered buns and the swirling, unique flavours of the chutney. It’s served with a crispy green chilli for that punch and some chopped onion for the crunch. Uff, anyone’s mouth would water at the thought. The explosion of flavours and the mix of textures will make anyone return for more. Don’t take our word for it because not only is the Vada Pav the 19th best sandwich, according to Tasteatlas, but it’s also the 8th best potato dish! But why the global recognition? Vada Pav’s taste is phenomenal and iconic; the flavours tingle your tongue in ways you’d never imagine – the perfect mixture of chutneys and spicy potatoes, everything about this dish is perfect. As much as the taste is outstanding, it’s only part of the reason for its popularity! It’s also a testament to: So, the next time you’re in Mumbai, walk past all those fancy restaurants and go to a local stall for a piping hot, sweet, and spicy Vada Pav. Go straight to the source to find out how this simple potato sandwich has seized Mumbai and crores in India and now globally.

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